THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is investing £20 million to upgrade facilities for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The funding will provide new and improved classrooms, equipment, and inclusive learning environments in schools and further education settings across Wales.

The investment will be distributed to local authorities to support mainstream educational settings. Schools and colleges will use the funding to create quiet and sensory areas, improve accessibility, and purchase essential equipment to enhance learning opportunities for ALN students.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle visited Ysgol Craig y Don in Llandudno on Friday (Mar 14) to see the impact of a £50,000 grant from the Welsh Government. The funding has been used to enhance opportunities for pupils at the school.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Providing opportunity to every family is crucial to this Welsh Labour Government’s plan for Wales, and I know it’s a priority for the people of Wales too. I’ve listened, and now we’re delivering.”

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle MS added: “Under this Welsh Labour Government, we don’t want a single learner left behind. That’s why we are putting millions into supporting learners with ALN.

“I was proud to visit Llandudno to see how this funding is making a real difference in schools.”

THE BUILDERS behind the Parc y Fron development in Carmarthen has lent a helping hand to a school in the town to improve facilities for its pupils with additional learning needs.

Persimmon Homes West Wales has donated £3,000 to Queen Elizabeth High School after its successful application to the developer’s Community Champions scheme.

The funds will go towards the school’s specialist unit, Canolfan Elfed, so they can upgrade their outdoor sensory learning area for its 93 pupils to use.

The project has been guided by the pupils, who actively engaged in the design process and collaborated with playground design experts to create their vision.

The school’s fundraising efforts to date – including events, sponsorships, and partnerships with Rotary Clubs – have raised approximately £20,000 already. Money has also been raised through staff running the London Marathan and participating in the local raft race.

Persimmon Homes West Wales currently has two, three, and four-bed homes for sale at Parc y Fron in Carmarthen, available from £190,000. 250 homes will be built as part of the scheme in the west of the town with over £2.3m going towards local infrastructure as a result.

The five-star housebuilder donates £48,000 to good causes and much-valued organisations across Wales every year as part of its Community Champions scheme, with Wales Air Ambulance, Carmarthen & Cross Hands Autistic Mams Association, Carmarthen Family Centres, and Scarlets Women’s Rugby included amongst recent local recipients.

Sharon Bouhali – Persimmon Homes West Wales Sales Director – said: “When we heard about Canolfan Elfed, we at Persimmon just knew that we had to get involved and help Queen Elizabeth High School with this excellent project.

“We’re delighted that our donation will help build a space that will enrich current therapies and interventions, providing pupils with meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities and fostering their development into confident, lifelong learners, and valued community members.

“Persimmon looks forward to seeing the completed vision at Canolfan Elfed soon.”

Nigel Cooke – School Business Manager for Queen Elizabeth High School – added: “The previous outdoor space was unsafe and unsuitable, and we want to replace it with a versatile, inclusive, and student-designed space that meets the unique needs of our pupils.

“That’s why we are grateful to Persimmon for their generous donation, especially considering it has triggered match-funding arrangements we have with other organisations.

“This will allow us to provide pupils with the facilities they need and deserve at the school and we can’t wait to take this project through to completion.”

Cllr Emlyn Schiavone – Mayor of Carmarthen and local county councillor – commented: “Canolfan Elfed does fantastic work with children from Carmarthen and the surrounding areas, as well as occasionally pupils from neighbouring counties. It is really encouraging to hear about their ambitions to improve facilities for children and young persons with additional and complex learning needs.

“I am really grateful to Persimmon for their valuable donation and willingness to support important initiatives like this in Carmarthen. I know the school will welcome any help other organisations may be able to contribute as well.”

THE FORMER headmaster of Ysgol y Preseli, Martin Lloyd, has passed away following a battle with cancer.

Mr. Lloyd dedicated nearly 50 years to the school in Crymych, shaping the lives of countless students and playing a pivotal role in the development of Welsh-medium education in Pembrokeshire.

He joined Ysgol y Preseli in 1974, starting as an Economics teacher before being promoted to deputy headmaster. In 1991 he became headmaster, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2009.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Lloyd was a strong advocate for bilingual education and was instrumental in strengthening the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Under his leadership, Ysgol y Preseli became a centre of learning and cultural preservation, nurturing generations of Welsh-speaking students.

Speaking at the time of his retirement, Mr. Lloyd reflected on his years of service with pride and gratitude, highlighting the collective achievements of staff and students in maintaining the school’s high standards.

His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues, students, and the wider community, remembering him as a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader whose contributions left an enduring impact on Welsh education.

Mr. Lloyd’s legacy will live on in the generations he taught and in the continued success of Ysgol y Preseli.